Artwork of a woman's face surrounded by seaweed or similar aquatic plants.

Braiding hair, hair extensions, and hair pieces made from seaweed?

IT IS POSSIBLE

THIS IS YOUR BEAUTY

Text discussing that in Black and Continental African communities, hair braiding and weaving are called protective styles, but synthetic materials used can be harmful to hair and the planet.
Three women with different braided hairstyles. The first woman has long, intricate black and white box braids, standing outdoors on a brick sidewalk. The second woman has multiple smaller braids with red highlights, viewed from behind. The third woman has her hair styled in a braided updo with thick, textured braids gathered into a knot.
Infographic about synthetic hair and plastic waste, mentioning that the global artificial hair industry produces 281 million tons of plastic waste annually, over twice the amount of plastic straws, which contribute about 1% of marine plastic pollution.

The global hair extension market will reach $8-10 billion USD by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6-8%.

Newsletter article headline: 'Synthetic hair marketed to Black women contains carcinogens and lead, report finds.' Photos of Black women with synthetic and braided hair. One woman is getting her hair styled, others show close-up of braided and styled hair.
An illustration of a woman's face amidst scattered trash, including plastic bottles, lids, and food packaging.

why seaweed?

We are researching the nutraceutical value of seaweed as an alternative to the harmful polymers used in synthetic hair.

We are locating pre-existing production chains in Maine’s emerging sea farming industry with it’s corresponding need for end-use products.

We are projecting costs for manufacturing that sits at the intersection of the Beauty and Blue Economies, growing to serve local workers, the health of consumers and the preservation of our ecosystems.

We are seeking support to create our proof of concept, employing strategies we have identified through engagement with Maine based community and economic development programs including:

where can i buy this seaweed hair?

  • Proof of concept

    Summer / Fall 2025

    We are seeking non-dilutive funding for bench research and equipment purchase. Our proof of concept will be the result of years of research and discovery. Help us get to the finish line.

    Donate

  • pre-revenue investment

    2025 - 2026

    It may be the beginning but these are some of the most important steps. The plans we are making now will determine how successfully we manufacture to scale.

    invest

  • Your favorite hair

    Your Beauty launches in 2026.

    Whether you’re braiding your hair down for the season, installing a protective style, or trying out a ponytail, we care because we are you. This is your beauty. This is our beauty, too.

    Experience

Meet the Founder

  • A person with long turquoise braided hair, wearing a sheer black top and red lipstick, posing against a dark background.

    Endi Ross

    THIS IS YOUR BEAUTY

I’ve been working with community and economic development programs on a plan to scale an idea that is rooted in thirty years of experimentation with materials, production design and public presentation.

Known for leading the multi-media artist group Hi Tiger, Endi Ross has been making art and organizing community based events in the state of Maine for over two decades. Endi’s work as a solo artist has been exhibited nationally and internationally in galleries, museums and alternative spaces. As an expert in beauty who took a non-traditional road to entrepreneurship, Endi brings to the project a unique understanding of both the aesthetic and cultural context. Support for their projects has been provided by the Maine Arts Commission, the Maine Humanities Council, The Maine Community Foundation, The For Us By US Fund and Maine Initiatives. In 2020, Endi launched the apparel brand Lovers Fight Tonight (LFT) in collaboration with the late Nicole Mokeme. LFT’s capsule collection featured body affirming silhouettes constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. To learn more about Endi’s work and the apparel brand Lovers Fight Tonight, please visit loversfighttonight.com.

A man sitting at a table in a bright room with large windows, looking down with a serious expression, in front of a news headline about creating seaweed hair extensions as an alternative to toxic synthetic extensions.

Contact Us

thisisyourbeauty, 2025